Ostuni
La Città Bianca
Located on the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, Ostuni is known for its white buildings and unparalleled charm. The best time to visit is from April to November; with temperatures ranging from 18–30°C it is the perfect location to take trips to the beaches nearby and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the town in the evening. However there is still plenty to do in the colder months, exploring the olive groves and small nearby towns which are full of character, each with its own unique history.
Within the city walls
Ostuni is the home to many churches and monuments, so take a walk through the cobbled streets and see what you can find! There are endless bars and restaurants to enjoy a sunset Aperol Spritz and taste the local cuisine. Over the summer months there is often live music in the main square, creating a lively buzzing atmosphere.
Where to eat and drink
Our favourite places to eat and drink, from family-run bistros in the old town to seafood by the harbour and long lunches on the masserie.
In Ostuni
Il Posto Affianco
A wonderful family-run bistro and pizzeria with a fantastic atmosphere. They don’t take reservations, but it’s worth turning up and waiting for a table. Choose between the street terrace around the old well, the panoramic rooftop terrace, or the indoor and outdoor bar areas. Giorgio and his father, Sergio, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
La Taverna della Gelosia
One of Ostuni’s most romantic restaurants, with beautiful terraces beneath wisteria and jasmine. Friendly service, excellent cuisine and the watchful eye of the owner, Eleonora, make it a lovely choice for a summer evening.
Paragon 700
One of Ostuni’s most beautiful spots for a drink. Leonardo can mix almost any cocktail, best enjoyed in the hotel’s peaceful secret garden. Perfect for a quiet aperitivo away from the old town.
In the countryside around Ostuni
Masseria Il Frantoio
Magical and authentic. This historic masseria, surrounded by ancient olive trees, offers wonderful local food and a truly atmospheric Puglian experience. Dine in the stone courtyard and enjoy a short visit to the historic olive press beneath the masseria. Each course is paired with a different olive oil, while the passion and creativity in the kitchen shine through every dish.
Orto Gastronomico
A family-run masseria restaurant created by Giacomo beneath monumental olive trees. The set menu showcases seasonal vegetables from the garden and traditional Puglian flavours — a beautiful choice for a long countryside lunch or dinner.
On the coast
Lido Stella
A seaside bistro serving fresh food in the shade beside a small sandy cove. Reserve a table for lunch with Cesare and spend the day there too. This traditional lido has changing rooms, a bar, showers, loungers, umbrellas and a lifeguard.
Osteria del Porto
Savelletri
A favourite that never fails. Maria and Mimo offer warm hospitality and consistently excellent food — the sort of place you return to again and again.
Albachiara
Savelletri
A relaxed seaside spot in Savelletri. Go early, before it fills up and the evening gets busy.
Taverna del Porto
Tricase Porto
Well worth the journey south for excellent seafood in a beautiful harbour setting. Be sure to book the top terrace.
In nearby towns
Il Cortiletto
Speziale
A charming favourite in Speziale, with an intimate courtyard and a relaxed atmosphere. Full of character and especially lovely in the evening.
Zio Pietro
Cisternino
A fantastic place for a traditional Puglian barbecue. Choose your cut of meat and enjoy it grilled as bombette, with asparagus or smoked scamorza. Simple, generous and delicious.
Il Cuoco
Cisternino
A sophisticated choice for beautifully presented Puglian cuisine. Ask for the garden room or, in warm weather, a table outside. Refined local recipes are served in a relaxed, elegant setting.
Da Giuseppe
Ceglie Messapica
A tiny family-run bistro with a limited daily menu. Enjoy the warmth of the welcome and authentic Puglian cuisine. The puddings are second to none.
Tratto
Carovigno
A wonderful restaurant on a walled garden terrace, with a superb atmosphere away from the crowds, just beneath the main square. An excellent chef and consistently high-quality food make this a particularly special choice.
Beaches
Only a 15-minute drive away, Puglia’s stunning coastline offers endless beaches for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming. Beach clubs provide sunbeds, buffet lunches and cater to all your needs. In the colder months, take a walk or ride a horse along the beaches and soak in the dramatic landscapes.
Olive groves
Puglia is the home to over 60 million olive trees, producing more litres of olive oil than any other region in Italy. Some trees date back 3,000 years to ancient Greek times and are still producing olives today! Take a tour around one of the olive groves to see these incredible trees, learn about how olive oil has been pressed over the years and taste their fresh produce.
Architecture
Traditional Pugliese buildings come in the form of masserie, old farmhouses, and trulli, dry stone huts with cone shaped roofs. Drive through the olive groves just outside Ostuni to see these buildings in all shapes and sizes, or visit the nearby town of Alberobello, the trulli capital. Combine your Ostuni stay with a few nights in the Masseria Le Carrube, which has a large swimming pool, to provide a relaxing end to your trip. Masseria Le Carrube also do a great vegetarian brunch on Sundays (except in July and August), which is amazing but be sure to reserve.
Nearby towns
A host of picturesque charming seaside towns and old towns surround Ostuni so there is a vast range of things to see and do nearby. Ceglie Messapica dates back to the ancient Messapians and has a wonderful old castle and collegiate church. Martina Franca and Monopoli have superb seafood restaurants and gorgeous harbours. Places of interest nearby worthy of daytrips are Lecce, Otranto and Trani.
Stay in the old town
Four town houses a short walk from the main square, with the estate villas four minutes away.
See the town houses